assailant that concerned the searching party.

The squire and Ralph upon reaching town went directly to the office of
President MacAllister, and the result of the meeting held there marked
an epoch in the history of the township of Dalton. The new squire had
outlined a plan that every suspicious character found in the place
should be apprehended at once, and no sooner had this edict gone forth
than the suspected ones very quietly took their departure. While it was
generally believed the trouble had to do with a personal affair, there
seemed danger of course to all, while such persons as this "tramp" were
at liberty.

But confidence was at once established by the ruling of the squire,
which put an end to the reign of terror, and Dalton became once more a
pleasant place to live in.

The details of government had little interest now for Dorothy Dale, as
she tossed feverishly about on her bed that night dreaming of the awful
man. Dr. Gray had recommended that some one remain with her, on account
of her nervous condition, and Tavia insisted on being allowed to sit up
with her friend.

A cot was arranged in Dorothy's room for Tavia, but she was too anxious
about the sick one to sleep. What if Dorothy should die? What a lonely
world this would be for Tavia without her.

Several times during the night Aunt Libby came in and tried to induce
Tavia to take another room, and allow her to stay with Dorothy, but the
volunteer nurse would not leave her post.